§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on his policy for disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAs I made clear in the debate in the House on 28 October, at column 596, the Government believe that safe disposal routes for low and intermediate-level radioactive waste can be developed in the United Kingdom, and that early disposal is the right answer.
The Government remain of the view that low-level waste can be and is being disposed of safely using present authorised sites, but intermediate-level waste needs to be disposed of deep underground or under the seabed. The Government are keeping open the sea disposal option for large items arising from decommissioning operations.
In implementing this policy, the Government welcome Nirex's intention to dispose of both low and intermediate-level waste in a single deep facility. The Government look forward to receiving detailed proposals so that rapid progress can be made.